The elevated structure is seeing, as both emblematic and sculptural, due to its unexpected shape. Reduced to a strict minimum at ground-level, it unfolds generously to offer its main façade to the sky and stars... read more

Symbolism:

The shape of the structure offers different readings depending on the angle of the view. > Viewed from the park and its surroundings, its shape reminds us of fossil energy geysers which were primarily discovered in this specific region of the world. In addition to this allusion, its shape offers us a realistic and renewable energy alternative, due to the numerous integrated photovoltaic cells that allow the structure to be electrically auto-sufficient.

> Viewed from a plane or Google Earth, the structure may resemble an eye gazing at the stars and the moon; more and more felt to be the future living space of human beings. At night, this eye-like sculpture is lit like a beacon in space, becoming Dubai’s shining landmark throughout the universe. The North-West/ South-East orientation of its shape meets the expected requirements, acknowledging the dominant winds of the structure’s location.

Atmospheres:

The project offers two main atmospheres to the structure:

> An “underground” atmosphere in which the design clearly expresses the support functions of the structure. With very few familiar landmarks, the design offers a startling and unusual setting to the visitor.

> An “aerial” atmosphere contained in a free-standing glassed structure. This polyvalent area, facing the sky, is heavily impregnated with the skyline panorama.

Environmental consequences:

Due to the presence of a large number of photovoltaic cells, the structure is energetically auto-sufficient.

Landscape and urban context integration:

Instead of rising endlessly, vertically towards the sky, the proposed structure gently unfolds itself horizontally, allowing a clear view of other architectural events of the city. After careful analysis of the site, the structure is set up on its culminating point, an area of convergence between existing routes. The presented structure is just as much a sculptural emblem in Dubai’s skyline than an international visual landmark when looked at from the sky. Whilst other towers are only recognisable when looked at from the ground, DubEye is just as identifiable from the ground than from the sky.